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PC Building Checklist

PC Building Checklist

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your First Computer

Use this checklist while building your PC. Check off each item as you complete it. Print this page or keep it open on your phone/tablet during the build!

PHASE 1: Pre-Build Preparation

  • [ ] Verify all components arrived undamaged
  • [ ] Gather tools: Phillips screwdriver (magnetic tip recommended), zip ties/velcro straps
  • [ ] Find clean, well-lit workspace (non-carpeted surface preferred)
  • [ ] Watch a full PC build video on YouTube (recommended: JayzTwoCents, Linus Tech Tips, Paul's Hardware)
  • [ ] Read your motherboard manual (most important document!)
  • [ ] Organize components and remove from anti-static bags (handle by edges only)

PHASE 2: PCPartPicker Final Verification

Before opening any boxes, enter your parts into PCPartPicker.com one final time:

  • [ ] Go to PCPartPicker.com -> "Start a System Build"
  • [ ] Enter your exact CPU model
  • [ ] Enter your exact motherboard model
  • [ ] Enter your exact RAM (model and quantity)
  • [ ] Enter your exact GPU model
  • [ ] Enter your exact case model
  • [ ] Enter your exact PSU model
  • [ ] Enter all storage drives
  • [ ] Read all "Compatibility Notes" - resolve any warnings before continuing
  • [ ] Verify estimated wattage is under PSU capacity (leave 20% headroom)

[!WARNING] Stop if PCPartPicker shows warnings! Research the issue before proceeding.

PHASE 3: Initial Assembly (Outside Case)

  • [ ] Lay out motherboard box as work surface (anti-static)
  • [ ] Place motherboard on box

Install CPU:

  • [ ] Locate CPU socket on motherboard
  • [ ] Lift retention arm (usually labeled "OPEN")
  • [ ] Remove plastic socket cover (DO NOT touch socket pins)
  • [ ] Align CPU with socket (look for gold triangle or notches)
  • [ ] Gently place CPU in socket (DO NOT FORCE - should drop in freely)
  • [ ] Lower retention arm and lock in place
  • [ ] Verify CPU is seated flat and secure

Install RAM:

  • [ ] Check motherboard manual for correct RAM slots (usually slots 2 and 4)
  • [ ] Push down clips on both ends of RAM slots
  • [ ] Align notch on RAM stick with notch in slot
  • [ ] Press down firmly on both ends until clips snap up
  • [ ] Verify RAM is fully seated (no gold contacts visible)
  • [ ] Repeat for second RAM stick

Install M.2 SSD (if applicable):

  • [ ] Locate M.2 slot on motherboard (check manual)
  • [ ] Remove M.2 screw and standoff
  • [ ] Insert M.2 SSD at 30-degree angle into slot
  • [ ] Press down gently and screw in place

Install CPU Cooler:

  • [ ] Check if thermal paste is pre-applied (most stock coolers have this)
  • [ ] If not pre-applied: apply pea-sized dot of thermal paste in center of CPU
  • [ ] Follow cooler instructions (varies by model)
  • [ ] Tighten screws in X-pattern, gradually (don't fully tighten one before others)
  • [ ] Connect CPU fan cable to CPU_FAN header on motherboard
  • [ ] Verify cooler is secure (gentle wiggle test - should not move)

PHASE 4: Case Preparation

  • [ ] Remove both side panels from case
  • [ ] Remove any shipping materials or foam
  • [ ] Locate I/O shield (metal backplate for motherboard ports)
  • [ ] Install I/O shield in rear of case (snap it in from inside, may require firm pressure)
  • [ ] Verify I/O shield is fully seated (no gaps)
  • [ ] Check for pre-installed motherboard standoffs (brass posts)
  • [ ] Add standoffs if needed to match your motherboard mounting holes

[!IMPORTANT] CRITICAL: Motherboard must ONLY touch standoffs, not case metal directly!

PHASE 5: Install Components in Case

Install Power Supply:

  • [ ] Determine PSU orientation (fan usually faces down if case has bottom vent)
  • [ ] Slide PSU into case from inside
  • [ ] Align screw holes
  • [ ] Screw in PSU from outside of case (4 screws)
  • [ ] Verify PSU power switch is accessible and set to OFF (O position)

Install Motherboard:

  • [ ] Carefully lower motherboard into case (align I/O ports with I/O shield)
  • [ ] Verify all screw holes align with standoffs
  • [ ] Install screws (usually 6-9 screws) - tighten gently, don't over-torque
  • [ ] Verify motherboard is secure but not flexing

Connect Power Cables:

  • [ ] Locate 24-pin ATX power connector (largest cable from PSU)
  • [ ] Connect 24-pin to motherboard (align clip, press firmly)
  • [ ] Locate 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) CPU power connector
  • [ ] Route CPU power cable behind motherboard tray
  • [ ] Connect CPU power to top-left of motherboard (near CPU)
  • [ ] Connect SATA power cables to any SATA drives (if applicable)

Connect Front Panel Cables: Note: This is the trickiest part! Keep motherboard manual open to page showing "Front Panel Connectors."

  • [ ] Locate front panel cable bundle from case
  • [ ] Find front panel header on motherboard (bottom-right, labeled "F_PANEL" or similar)
  • [ ] Connect Power Switch (PWR_SW)
  • [ ] Connect Reset Switch (RESET) - if your case has one
  • [ ] Connect Power LED (PWR_LED) - polarity matters (+/-)
  • [ ] Connect HDD LED (HDD_LED) - polarity matters (+/-)
  • [ ] Take a photo of your work for reference
  • [ ] Connect USB 3.0 header (usually labeled USB3 or similar)
  • [ ] Connect USB 2.0 header (if your case has USB 2.0 ports)
  • [ ] Connect USB-C header (if your case has front USB-C)
  • [ ] Connect audio header (HD Audio or AC'97)

Install Storage Drives:

  • [ ] Install 2.5" SATA SSD in drive bay (if applicable)
  • [ ] Connect SATA data cable to SSD and motherboard
  • [ ] Install 3.5" HDD in drive bay (if applicable)
  • [ ] Connect SATA data cable to HDD and motherboard

PHASE 6: Graphics Card Installation

Important: Install GPU LAST to avoid damage during other installation steps.

  • [ ] Locate top PCIe x16 slot (usually closest to CPU)
  • [ ] Remove corresponding slot covers from rear of case (2-3 slots depending on GPU size)
  • [ ] Press down retention clip at end of PCIe slot
  • [ ] Align GPU with slot and slot covers
  • [ ] Press down firmly until retention clip clicks back up
  • [ ] Verify GPU is fully seated in slot (gold contacts not visible)
  • [ ] Screw GPU bracket to case
  • [ ] Connect PCIe power cables from PSU to GPU (6-pin, 8-pin, or 12-pin depending on model)
  • [ ] Verify all GPU power connectors are fully seated

PHASE 7: Cable Management

  • [ ] Route cables behind motherboard tray through routing holes
  • [ ] Use zip ties or velcro straps to bundle cables
  • [ ] Ensure no cables block fans or fan mounting points
  • [ ] Tuck excess cables in PSU shroud or behind motherboard tray
  • [ ] Connect case fans to motherboard fan headers or fan controller Tip: Cable management doesn't need to be perfect on first build. Just keep cables away from fans!

PHASE 8: Pre-Boot Verification

STOP AND DOUBLE-CHECK EVERYTHING before powering on:

  • [ ] 24-pin ATX power connected to motherboard
  • [ ] 8-pin CPU power connected
  • [ ] RAM fully seated (clips locked)
  • [ ] GPU fully seated in PCIe slot
  • [ ] GPU power cables connected
  • [ ] CPU cooler fan connected to CPU_FAN header
  • [ ] Front panel power switch connected
  • [ ] PSU switch is OFF (for now)
  • [ ] No screws or metal objects loose inside case
  • [ ] All cables clear of fans

PHASE 9: First Boot

  • [ ] Connect monitor cable to GPU (NOT motherboard!)
  • [ ] Connect keyboard and mouse to rear USB ports
  • [ ] Plug power cable into PSU
  • [ ] Double-check monitor input source is correct (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.)
  • [ ] Flip PSU switch to ON (| position)
  • [ ] Press case power button

Expected behavior on successful boot:

  • [ ] Fans begin spinning (CPU, GPU, case fans)
  • [ ] Motherboard LEDs light up
  • [ ] Monitor displays BIOS/UEFI screen or motherboard logo

If nothing happens:

  • [ ] Check PSU switch is on
  • [ ] Verify power cable fully plugged in to PSU and wall
  • [ ] Check 24-pin and 8-pin power connections
  • [ ] Verify front panel power switch connected correctly

If fans spin but no display:

  • [ ] Verify monitor connected to GPU, not motherboard
  • [ ] Try different display cable or monitor input
  • [ ] Reseat RAM (remove and reinstall)
  • [ ] Try one RAM stick in slot 2 (second from CPU)
  • [ ] Reseat GPU

PHASE 10: BIOS/UEFI Configuration

  • [ ] Press Delete, F2, or F12 to enter BIOS (key shown on boot screen)
  • [ ] Verify all components detected:
    • [ ] CPU model and speed shown correctly
    • [ ] RAM amount shown correctly (may show as slightly less, this is normal)
    • [ ] Storage drives detected
  • [ ] Enable XMP/EXPO for RAM (CRITICAL for performance):
    • [ ] Navigate to "AI Tweaker", "Overclocking", or "Advanced" menu
    • [ ] Find "XMP" (Intel) or "EXPO/DOCP" (AMD) setting
    • [ ] Enable XMP/EXPO (usually Profile 1)
    • [ ] Verify RAM speed now shows your rated speed (e.g., 6000MHz)
  • [ ] Set boot priority: Put USB drive or SSD first
  • [ ] Disable Secure Boot (if you plan to install Linux)
  • [ ] Save settings and exit BIOS (usually F10)
  • [ ] PC will restart

PHASE 11: Install Operating System

  • [ ] Insert Windows installation USB or Linux installation media
  • [ ] Boot from USB (may need to press F11 or F12 for boot menu)
  • [ ] Follow OS installation wizard
  • [ ] Select your SSD as installation target
  • [ ] Complete OS installation (PC will restart several times)

PHASE 12: Driver Installation & Optimization

  • [ ] Connect to internet (Ethernet or WiFi)
  • [ ] Run Windows Update (check for all updates)
  • [ ] Install chipset drivers from motherboard manufacturer website
  • [ ] Install GPU drivers:
    • [ ] NVIDIA: Download from nvidia.com/drivers
    • [ ] AMD: Download from amd.com/support
  • [ ] Install audio drivers (usually from motherboard manufacturer)
  • [ ] Install network drivers if WiFi not working
  • [ ] Consider BIOS update (check motherboard manufacturer website)

Verify XMP/EXPO is working:

  • [ ] Download CPU-Z (free software)
  • [ ] Open CPU-Z and check "Memory" tab
  • [ ] Verify "DRAM Frequency" shows half your RAM speed (DDR = Double Data Rate)
  • [ ] Example: 6000MHz RAM should show ~3000MHz in CPU-Z

PHASE 13: Testing & Temperature Monitoring

  • [ ] Download HWiNFO64 or HWMonitor for temperature monitoring
  • [ ] Check idle temperatures:
    • [ ] CPU idle: 30-45°C is normal
    • [ ] GPU idle: 30-50°C is normal
  • [ ] Run stress test (optional but recommended):
    • [ ] CPU: Download Prime95, run for 10-15 minutes
    • [ ] GPU: Download FurMark or run 3DMark benchmark
  • [ ] Check load temperatures:
    • [ ] CPU under load: 60-80°C is fine, under 85°C is good
    • [ ] GPU under load: 65-85°C is fine, under 90°C is good

[!WARNING] If temperatures exceed 90°C: Check CPU cooler installation and reapply thermal paste if needed.

PHASE 14: Final Touches

  • [ ] Install your essential software and games
  • [ ] Set up file backup solution (external drive or cloud)
  • [ ] Clean dust filters on case (if any)
  • [ ] Reattach side panels
  • [ ] Cable manage external cables
  • [ ] Take a photo of your completed build!
  • [ ] Keep all component boxes for warranty purposes
  • [ ] Save your Windows/activation keys in safe place

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉

You've successfully built your first PC! You now have a valuable skill that will save you money and give you complete control over your computing experience. Welcome to the PC building community!

Quick Troubleshooting Reference

  • No power at all: Check PSU switch, wall outlet, power cable, 24-pin and 8-pin connections
  • Fans spin, no display: Check monitor cable to GPU (not motherboard), try different cable/input, reseat RAM
  • PC boots then shuts off: Check CPU cooler installation, verify XMP isn't unstable (try disabling)
  • Blue screen errors: Update all drivers, run Windows Memory Diagnostic, check RAM seated properly
  • Poor gaming performance: Update GPU drivers, verify monitor cable to GPU, check temperatures
  • Games crash: Update GPU drivers, check PSU connections to GPU, monitor temperatures
  • System is very loud: Check fan curves in BIOS, verify all fans properly mounted, clean dust filters

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